Gamecocks play guessing game about Michigan QBs

South Carolina worked out again at Jefferson High School in Tampa on Sunday as the Gamecocks (10-2) prepared for the 2013 Outback Bowl against Michigan (8-4) on Tuesday at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.

“I think the guys have been focused,” said defensive coordinator Lorenzo Ward following Sunday’s workout. “We’ve had good practices back in Columbia and good practices since we’ve been here. I thought the guys were really focused today.”

The Gamecocks enter the matchup without knowing for sure which quarterback they will face. Regular starter Denard Robinson has been lining up at receiver in recent weeks for the Wolverines, prompting USC to prepare for a variety of offensive sets.

“We try to show them just about everything (Michigan has) done all season, so we don’t know what we’re going to get but by the time game time, hopefully after the first 15-20 plays we’ll know what they’re doing.”

Michigan head coach Brady Hoke has been coy on which of his two quarterbacks would take the most snaps, but that doesn’t concern Ward.

“Not at all. We don’t care,” said Ward. “They’re both athletic, they both can run the football, they both can throw the football. To us, it’s the same guy. For what we do on defense, it’s irrelevant.”

The Gamecocks should go into the contest healthy. “We’ve been blessed so far,” noted Ward. “All the guys that have been banged up are well. It looks like we’re playing real fast.”

The Gamecocks will have their usual “Friday” walk-thru on Monday afternoon at Raymond James Stadium.